Free tech law tips for Edinburgh startups

You might have just developed a hot new app, but what about the legal stuff? A local business lawyer says it's too important to ignore, so is starting a new monthly open forum for small firms to collaborate and support each other

There are plenty of innovative technology firms springing up in Edinburgh, thanks to the likes of the University of Edinburgh's Informatics Ventures.

A new advice group has been set up in a bid to try and help small startup firms get over potential legal hurdles. For example, the internet is full of advice, but there are important differences in business law in different countries that aren't always obvious.

Tech Law For Startups organiser Dug Campbell believes collaboration is key to helping new technology entrepreneurs through the tough initial stages of setting up in business. He said:

"People say lawyers are too expensive, so the most obvious solution to me was to do it for free to try and build on the existing network at the same time.

"A lot of information is already out there on the internet but it's important people are guided to Scottish or English law, rather than the American template which is scattered all over the place online.

"So it's about sharing knowledge. The more these companies can help each other, it makes my job a lot easier too. It think the demand is there and hope it will be quite an organic group that develops as time goes on."

Another key problem for aspiring developers is money. Campbell, a lawyer for MBM Commercial in Castle Street, says too many firms are spending money on things they can do themselves.

By holding an open forum, solutions to common problems can be shared. He added:

"The fact is the world is changing and people might not realise they don't need a lawyer to incorporate a company. They can speed the process up and do that themselves. It's also about building a relationship with all these early-stage companies and helping them over the initial hurdles.

"These types of businesses are early stage startups or developers about to set up, so they're in a position where they are likely to grow at speed.

"It'll be very informal and collaborative with those who turn up. Hopefully we can deal with their questions there and then. If we find common themes or problems I'll look at putting on specific events around those in future.

"We have been in this scene in Scotland for a long time. MBM Commercial is heavily involved in early stage investment and setting businesses up by working on behalf of a lot of angel investors and small-end venture capital funds.

Asked why he's doing it for free, Campbell said:

"Maybe it could be seen as being a bit noble but it's important to do something for the greater common good that will make working life easier for early stage businesses. And it might make local lawyers' lives easier too.

"Everyone who's shown interest so far is technology based in what they do and that's natural because they are businesses and products with heavy intellectual property, but it might be useful to a wider group of people too."

The forum opens at 5.30pm for a 6pm start later today at the offices of MBM Commercial. We've also heard there may well be beer and pizza available. The meet-up can be followed on Twitter @techlaw4startup.